By Rosalind Russell – A local area woman is now heading up an organization to assist women throughout the northeast.
Amy Collins, who was the executive director of Manitoulin North Shore Victim Services, has taken on the role of executive director of the Elizabeth Fry Society out of the Sudbury main office.
She says her decision to return to the organization was rooted in the support they provide to the communities they serve, stretching from Sagamok in the west to North Bay in the east, and all points in between.
She says the society’s purpose is to confront both the effects of criminalization and the many risk factors that lead people into the justice system in the first place.
“We see every day how acts of survival—securing food, shelter, safety, or escaping violence—are too often responded to with punishment rather than compassion. When people are criminalized for simply trying to meet their basic needs, the system compounds their trauma instead of helping them heal.”
“Unnecessary incarceration creates profound and lasting harm. It separates families, destabilizes housing, disrupts health care, and leaves individuals carrying the weight of trauma long after they return to the community. We know that these harms can be avoided.”
Collins believes community-based approaches offer better outcomes, allowing people to access support, remain connected to their networks, and build the stability required for long-term change, so preventative supports are central to their approach.
She says the society has five key programs in place including the Our Restorative Justice and Conflict Mediation Program, Ongoing Support Program, the Housing Case Management Program and more.
“Preventative supports are central to our approach. Our Restorative Justice and Conflict Mediation Program equips youth with skills to resolve conflict in ways that are effective, relational, and healing through a restorative lens. These youth become peer mediators, sharing these tools within their schools and social circles, which strengthens community wellbeing.”
“We also continue to address the impacts of criminalization through our Ongoing Support Program—the founding program of our agency since 1972. Through this program, we provide practical, trauma-informed support to women and gender-diverse individuals held in pre-trial detention at the Sudbury District Jail and North Bay Jail. Support varies based on need, but often includes healthy relationships education, violence awareness, life-skills development, referrals, and advocacy to ensure individuals’ basic human rights are upheld.”
“It quickly became clear that our region also needed Bail Verification and Supervision services. Although government changes have impacted the program over the years, we currently maintain an all-gender model. People often ask why an agency focused on women and gender-diverse individuals includes men in this program. My answer is simple: if we are committed to supporting women, we must also address the factors—including the behaviours and systemic failures—that contribute to the harms they experience. A holistic approach grounded in gender-specific purpose is essential for meaningful change.”
The Housing Program has proven to be of great value, especially these days, she says.
“As you know, our region faces a significant housing crisis. The Elizabeth Fry Society has been deeply engaged in community efforts to address it through partnerships with the Homelessness Network and the City. This includes our Housing Case Management Program, where three Housing Case Managers support chronically homeless individuals using a Housing First approach. Most recently, we have expanded the Safe Harbour House Shelter from a 10-bed overnight program to a 26-bed service. Six beds are dedicated transitional housing for up to two years, three beds support youth aged 16–19 overnight, and the remaining beds operate on a first-come, first-served basis.”
“Our agency strives to be an active part of the solution to the challenges our community members face. Where there are opportunities for other organizations to contribute in ways that reduce harm and the risk of criminalization through a trauma informed approach, we support those efforts as well.”
Collins adds in 2026, her focus will be to continue fostering meaningful collaborations.
“What has led us to our current challenges is systemic, and therefore the solutions must also be systemic. This requires a coordinated, collaborative approach across sectors and levels of government.
“In 2026, my focus will be to continue fostering meaningful collaboration among existing person-centered services, ensuring that supports are integrated rather than fragmented. At the same time, I will deepen our provincial and federal advocacy efforts to advance legislative and policy changes that align with our vision for prison reform; changes that prioritize humanity, accountability, and community-based solutions over punitive responses.”
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